‘The Expendables 3’ Adds Kelsey Grammer to the Roster

Published 2 years ago
by
Kyle Hembree
, Updated September 18th, 2013 at 7:31 am,

Much of the fun of The Expendables films (at least, in theory) is the gathering of so many previously unassociated actors under a single cinematic roof. With a batch of newcomers such as Harrison Ford (Ender’s Game), Wesley Snipes (Blade), and Mel Gibson (Lethal Weapon), The Expendables 3 already resembles some sort of Hollywood action star block party.

With a cast already bulging at the seams, one might assume that the next installment of the Expendables franchise would be unable to add even more familiar faces. Of course, one must never assume that an Expendables film cannot exceed at excess. Yet another well-known actor has joined the Expendables crew – former comedy mainstay Kelsey Grammer (Boss).

Deadline shares the scoop that Grammer has accepted a role in the upcoming Expendables 3. Reportedly, Grammer will fill the combat boots of Bonaparte, a retired mercenary leader with valuable information for the Expendable team in their new adventure – a role previously offered to Nicolas Cage (Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance).

Though already established in film and television by the 1980s, Grammer came to prominence as the laconic Dr. Frasier Crane in the long-running, smash-hit sitcom Cheers. This lead to the 90s spin-off series Frasier, which further cemented Grammer as a straight-man comedy fixture. After the end of Frasier in 2004, Grammer became best known for his role as Beast in X-Men: The Last Stand.

Previously associated primarily for taking roles as erudite, somewhat stuffy characters, Grammer changed his image with his performance as take-no-guff Mayor Tom Kane in the Starz political drama Boss in 2011. Though Boss has since been canceled, Grammer’s portrayal earned him a spot as the villain in the upcoming Transformers: Age of Extinction – which in turn likely helped him land Bonaparte in The Expendables 3.

Without knowing much about Bonaparte’s character, it’s impossible to say exactly what Grammer will bring to this third iteration of the stuffed-to-the-rafters action series. Given the sheer number of stars involved in the film, it may end up that Grammer’s role will be little more than a cameo.

That said, it could be mighty fun to watch Kelsey Grammer cut loose in a role previously intended for Nicolas Cage. Despite his reputation for playing dry and arrogant characters, Grammer can definitely chew the scenery when called to do so (see: his phenomenal voice work as Sideshow Bob on The Simpsons). One can only hope that he ends up standing out in what’s becoming something of a cast of thousands.

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The Expendables 3 will kick down the doors of cinemas on August 15th, 2014.

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Good show. Dear sir. Did you see X-men 3 he kicked butt in that. Wesley Snipes is back from jail to screen, I think he paid his dues. Maybe another Blade film is in his future. This looks like Sly Stallone works hard to create some special action packed movies. I can’t wait to see it.

Kelsey is an intersting addition. Its a shame he only gets recognized for Frasier. If you ever did notice, even in Frasier hes F’n good. He actually CAN act. Not everyone who gets casted needs or has to have an action background for the Expendables. In the 1st, does Mickey Rourke realy have an action background? In the 2nd, does Hemsworth really have one?

I’m probably one of the few that feels this way, but I feel bad for Nicholas Cage on multiple levels. First, his career is in shambles. It sucks to see an actor fall so far. I don’t think the audiences are gonna take him seriously anymore as an actor if he were to try and do a good movie. Lastly, Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance is the movie associated with his name. I know it’s one of the more recent movies he’s done but come on; give him Con-Air or City of Angels or, hell, The Croods. He did a voice in that. I just feel for the guy. I heard he’s in some serious debt problems.

good move, even though Kelsey Grammer did some action films like the 3rd Xmen and that 15 minutes movie with Robert Deniro. I would also like to see Kurt Russell, Andy Garcia, mickey Rourke, Michael Keaton, Alec Baldwin, Christopher Lambert, Steven Seagal, Michael Madsen, Don Johnson and Bruce Willis as well if he isn’t greedy or lazy since die hard 5.

Bruce Willis wont be back for the 3rd movie already turned down role and Stallone agreed to sign him and replaced the character altogether and Harrison Ford is playing the CIA agent. Willis demanded too much money for little screen time, then Stallone and Willis had a fallen out so doubt they will work together again.